FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.

FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC. Patent applications

Patent application number

Title

Published

20160106902

Sorbent And Chemical Regeneration Of Dialysate - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for the regeneration of spent dialysis solutions. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for continuously regenerating spent dialysis solution during dialysis. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for conducting dialysis that further include using chemical and physical separators in conjunction with ion exchange cartridges and/or adsorption cartridges.

04-21-2016

20160089484

Pressure Output Device For Extracorporeal Hemodialysis Machine - A pressure output device (POD) assembly for sensing fluid pressure in a fluid processing system, is provided. This POD assembly includes a shell defining a shell interior, and a movable diaphragm disposed in the shell interior and separating the shell interior into a flow-through chamber and a pressure sensing side. A sensor port is in fluid communication with the pressure sensing side. An inlet port and an outlet port are in fluid communication with the flow-through chamber. The inlet port and the outlet port define an inlet and an outlet, respectively, of a flow-through channel that passes through the flow-through chamber. A boss protrudes from the interior wall of the shell and extends into the flow-through channel to prevent occlusion of flow under different pressure conditions within the flow-through chamber.

03-31-2016

20150343126

Method For Treating Dialysate, Dialysis System, And Method For Pre-Evaluating Dialysis Patients For Treatment With Same - A method for treating dialysate solutions used in dialysis wherein dialysate is treated in an early part of a dialysis treatment session by external infusion of bicarbonate solution into the dialysate circuit to eliminate the need for bicarbonate requirements in concentrates used for preparation of precursor dialysate (priming) solutions and/or for a solid bicarbonate layer in a sorbent cartridge. Dialysate is treated in a latter part of a dialysis treatment session by introduction of sterile dilution water to reduce sodium concentration in the dialysate. The method provides a more efficient and reduced use of dialysate fluids, electrolytes, sorbent cartridge materials, equipment scale, or any combinations of these, while maintaining purity standards and applicable physiological ranges for bicarbonate, sodium, and other dialysate solution components over the course of a dialysis treatment session.

12-03-2015

20150314056

Manifold For Wearable Artificial Kidney - Flexible manifolds configured for use in a wearable artificial kidney are provided and can include an array of manifold plates defining one or more flow path and which are adapted to receive dialysis components including cleaning columns and dialyzers. Wearable artificial kidneys are also provided. For example, a wearable artificial kidney can include a flexible manifold, a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, a first cleaning column, a first dialyzer, a second dialyzer, a second cleaning column, and at least one pump. Systems for performing dialysis are further provided. The systems can include a wearable artificial kidney and manifold inlet and outlet lines for connecting the peritoneum of a dialysis patient to the wearable artificial kidney. Methods for performing dialysis utilizing the flexible manifolds, wearable artificial kidneys, and systems containing the same, are also provided.

11-05-2015

20150276742

Kit For Sampling And Detection Of Endotoxin In Aqueous Solution - The present invention relates to a simple, rapid, and cost-effective test kit for detecting bacterial endotoxin in aqueous solutions, such as water for dialysis or dialysate, using an endotoxin-activatable clotting agent-based gel clot assay which can be applied at ambient temperature. The present invention also relates to a method of detecting endotoxin in aqueous solution with use of the test kit.

10-01-2015

20150273126

Measuring Conductivity of a Medical Fluid - In certain aspects, a dialysis device includes a flow channel that includes a disposable flow-through container. The flow channel and the container contain a fluid and are in fluid communication with each other. The dialysis device also includes a toroid configured to accept, through an aperture of the toroid, at least a portion of the container. The dialysis device also includes an electromagnetic coil wrapped around the toroid, such that the coil passes around an outer surface and an inner surface of the toroid, and covers less than the entire circumference of the toroid. The coil is configured to generate an electromagnetic signal. The coil is also configured to concentrate the electromagnetic signal on the fluid in the container such that the electromagnetic signal traverses the container in a direction that is substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the flow channel. The coil is also configured to read the electromagnetic signal after it has traversed the fluid in the container.

10-01-2015

20150258266

Cartridges Useful In Cleaning Dialysis Solutions - Cartridges useful in regenerating or purifying dialysis solutions are described as well as methods to regenerate or purify spent dialysis solutions. Dialysis methods using the sorbent cartridges of the present invention are further described.

09-17-2015

20150253860

E-FIELD SENSING OF NON-CONTACT GESTURE INPUT FOR CONTROLLING A MEDICAL DEVICE - A system provides non-contact electric field (E-field) gesture interfacing with a medical device, such as a dialysis machine. A E-field device provides for gesture detection and command recognition of the gesture by a user, such as a health care practitioner (HCP), in connection with navigating and activating screens of a dialysis machine during a dialysis treatment without requiring the HCP to physically contact the dialysis machine. With the described system, the HCP does not need to re-glove each time a change is made to an on-going dialysis treatment when interfacing with a graphical display of the dialysis machine.

09-10-2015

20150238672

SELF CALIBRATING BLOOD CHAMBER - An optical blood monitoring system and corresponding method avoid the need to obtain a precise intensity value of the light impinging upon the measured blood layer during the analysis. The system is operated to determine at least two optical measurements through blood layers of different thickness but otherwise substantially identical systems. Due to the equivalence of the systems, the two measurements can be compared so that the bulk extinction coefficient of the blood can be calculated based only on the known blood layer thicknesses and the two measurements. Reliable measurements of various blood parameters can thereby be determined without certain calibration steps.

08-27-2015

20150157845

LINE SEPARATION PROTECTOR - A line separation protector is provided that can include an arm, an anchor, a clasp attached to the arm, and a tab connected to and configured to manipulate the clasp. A tubing subsystem is also provided that can include a first tubing threaded through the anchor of the line separation protector described herein. A line connection system is also provided and can include the tubing subsystem described herein, and a second tubing, wherein the clasp of the line separation protector is configured to engage the second tubing. A method of protecting a line connection system is also described herein and includes engaging a second tubing with the clasp of the protector to form a protected line connection system.

06-11-2015

20150133854

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MONITORING AND CONTROL OF ULTRAFILTRATION VOLUME DURING PERITONEAL DIALYSIS USING SEGMENTAL BIOIMPEDANCE - A peritoneal dialysis (PD) system for infusing a volume of PD solution into a patient's peritoneal cavity in order to perform peritoneal dialysis on the patient includes a peritoneal cavity monitor (PCM) that measures this volume of fluid in the patient's peritoneal cavity by segmental bioimpedance spectroscopy (SBIS), to thereby determine an ultrafiltration volume of fluid in the patient's peritoneal cavity, and a switch, controlled by the PCM, for filling the patient's peritoneal cavity and draining the patient's peritoneal cavity when the ultrafiltration volume is unchanged over time, significantly decreased, or decreasing at a significant rate.

05-14-2015

20150129055

Smart Actuator For Valve - A system and method of monitoring and controlling the open and close states of a manifold diaphragm type valve includes using an actuator mechanism with feedback control. A pressure transducer and/or force gauge located on the contact end of the actuator mechanism monitors the pressure and/or force applied to the end of the actuator mechanism. A controller instructs the actuator mechanism to move forward or backward an appropriate distance based on the monitored pressure and/or force. Temperature and pressure changes in the system and material changes to the diaphragm are sensed immediately and positioning correction is applied to the actuator in real-time, thereby maintaining the same valve state while monitoring pressure separately. The linear actuator functions as a ‘smart’ actuator, capable of fine tune adjustments without additional outside monitoring and providing a more accurate and reliable method of closing the valve in a dynamic environment.

05-14-2015

20150108069

Process For Regeneration Of Spent Zirconium Phosphate For Reuse in Sorbent Treatments - A method is provided for regenerating spent zirconium phosphate for reuse in sorbent dialysis treatments or other re-uses as a sorbent material. The method includes contacting spent zirconium phosphate with an aqueous disinfectant solution having at least one antimicrobial agent, and treating the resulting disinfected zirconium phosphate with an acidic solution to provide a treated zirconium phosphate that can be re-used as a sorbent material. Sorbent cartridge products containing the regenerated spent zirconium phosphate are also provided. Methods and systems for sorbent dialysis which re-use the regenerated zirconium phosphate such as part of sorbent cartridges, additionally are provided.

04-23-2015

20150057601

Determining a Volume of Medical Fluid Pumped Into or Out of a Medical Fluid Cassette - A method that includes pumping medical fluid out of or drawing medical fluid into a chamber of a medical fluid cassette, calculating a theoretical volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber, and multiplying the theoretical volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber by a correction factor to determine a corrected volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber.

02-26-2015

20150048533

Process For Making Polyarylethers And Use In Membrane Preparation - A process for making polyarylethers provides a reaction mixture that includes a dipolar aprotic solvent for polyarylether and polyarylether forming reactants, and reacts the polyarylether-forming reactants, with removing of water with nitrogen in the absence of azeotrope forming cosolvent and optionally replacing removed amounts with dipolar aprotic solvent. The process can further include directly wet spinning the reactor solution without recovery of the polymer from the dipolar aprotic solvent through a spinneret to form hollow fibers or flat sheets suitable for membranes.

02-19-2015

20150045763

Self-warming peritoneal dialysis solution bag - A self-warming peritoneal dialysis solution bag is provided that contains a peritoneal dialysis solution. The solution bag can have an outer surface and a non-electric, warming patch adhered or affixed to the outer surface. The non-electric, warming patch can include an activatable agent that undergoes an exothermic reaction when activated. The warming patch can retain a sufficient amount of activatable agent to generate enough heat, upon activation, to warm the contents of the bag to at least 95° F. Warming patches that are separate from a peritoneal dialysis solution bag are also provided, as are kits for warming a peritoneal dialysis solution bag. Methods of warming a peritoneal dialysis solution bag with a non-electric, warming patch, are also provided.

02-12-2015

20150025449

Activating Peripheral Devices in a Dialysis System - In certain aspects, a method includes determining that one or more alarm criteria of a first alarm condition of a dialysis machine is satisfied, and in response to determining that the one or more alarm criteria of the first alarm condition is satisfied, activating an alarm corresponding to the first alarm condition and activating a peripheral device.

01-22-2015

20140339149

Disposable Apparatus and Kit for Conducting Dialysis - An extracorporeal blood processing system comprises a plastic molded compact manifold that supports a plurality of molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with a plurality of relevant sensors, valves and pumps. A disposable dialyzer is connected to the molded manifold to complete the blood circuit of the system. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine.

11-20-2014

20140298171

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MEDICAL DEVICE CURSOR CONTROL AND TOUCHPAD-BASED NAVIGATION - The invention provides, in some aspects, medical apparatus with software-based cursor control and graphical user interface hotspot selection. This can be used, by way of non-limiting example, as part of a graphical user interface by which doctors, nurses, patient care technicians, other health care providers, and/or patients can enter data into enter data and/or to control the apparatus and/or associated medical equipment.

10-02-2014

20140295477

Kit For Sampling And Detection Of Endotoxin In Aqueous Solution - The present invention relates to a simple, rapid, and cost-effective test kit for detecting bacterial endotoxin in aqueous solutions, such as water for dialysis or dialysate, using an endotoxin-activatable clotting agent-based gel clot assay which can be applied at ambient temperature. The present invention also relates to a method of detecting endotoxin in aqueous solution with use of the test kit.

10-02-2014

20140289812

REMOTE CONTROL OF DIALYSIS MACHINES - This disclosure relates to remote control of dialysis machines. In certain aspects, a method includes receiving a request for a network connection from a dialysis machine and establishing the network connection with the dialysis machine. The method also includes receiving, from a client device, a request to access the dialysis machine, authorizing the client device to access the dialysis machine, receiving, from the dialysis machine, information pertaining to an operation of the dialysis machine, and providing, to the client device, the received information.

09-25-2014

20140277894

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE COMPRISING EXTRACORPOREAL BLOOD TREATMENT MACHINE - An autonomous vehicle is provided that includes an autonomous vehicle control system, a dialysis machine, and an interface providing an electrical communication between the dialysis machine and the autonomous vehicle control system. The dialysis machine is configured to perform a dialysis treatment on a patient while the autonomous vehicle is under the control of the autonomous vehicle control system. A vehicle is also provided that includes a navigation system, a dialysis machine, and an interface between the navigation system and the dialysis machine. The vehicle can be a car, a train, a plane, or another vehicle.

09-18-2014

20140276421

MEDICAL FLUID CASSETTE LEAK DETECTION METHODS AND DEVICES - A method is provided for detecting leaks in a disposable medical fluid cassette that includes a base and a flexible membrane attached to the base in such a way that the base and the flexible membrane cooperate to at least partially form a fluid passageway. The method includes applying a first force to the flexible membrane, measuring a first physical property of a system that includes the medical fluid cassette a medical fluid pumping machine, removing the first force from the flexible membrane, applying a second force to the flexible membrane, measuring a second physical property of the system, and determining whether the medical fluid cassette leaks based on a comparison of the first physical property and the second physical property.

09-18-2014

20140276371

Universal portable artificial kidney for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis - Methods, systems, and kits are provided for performing hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, and peritoneal dialysis on a portable machine suitable for both clinical and home use. Peritoneal dialysate can be flowed into and out of the peritoneal cavity, and can also be regenerated within the system, without the need for introducing fresh dialysate. Common hardware and software can be utilized for both peritoneal dialysis and other forms of dialysis such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration, allowing for facile transition between different dialysis modes using the same dialysis machine.

09-18-2014

20140267003

WIRELESS CONTROLLER TO NAVIGATE AND ACTIVATE SCREENS ON A MEDICAL DEVICE - A system provides non-contact communication between a controller and a medical device. The control signal may be a wirelessly transmitted control signal, such as a wireless radiofrequency signal and/or an optical or acoustic signal, for example. An interface device is provided that may be a remote controller or switch that may be used by a user, such as a health care practitioner (HCP), in connection with navigating and activating screens of a dialysis machine during a dialysis treatment without requiring the HCP to physically contact the dialysis machine. With the described system, the HCP does not need to re-glove each time a change is made to an on-going dialysis treatment when interfacing with a graphical display of the dialysis machine.

09-18-2014

20140266983

WEARABLE INTERFACE FOR REMOTE MONITORING AND CONTROL OF A MEDICAL DEVICE - A wearable interface device, such as a head-mounted display, provides an augmented reality and/or display system and may be used in accordance with medical devices and the performance of medical treatments, particularly a dialysis machine and a dialysis treatment. The wearable interface device may be worn by a user, such as a health care practitioner (HCP), in connection with remotely monitoring and/or controlling the dialysis machine during the dialysis treatment. The HCP may receive alerts and/or other information concerning the dialysis treatment from the dialysis machine that are displayed on the wearable interface device and may use the wearable interface device to control the dialysis machine via the exchange of wireless signals with the dialysis machine. The wearable interface device may recognize commands from the HCP, such as gestures, to provide non-contact operation of the wearable interface device and remote control of the dialysis machine by the HCP.

09-18-2014

20140263064

MEDICAL FLUID SENSORS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In certain aspects, a method includes reading an indicia of a medical fluid cartridge to determine a volume of a fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge indicated by the indicia, receiving radio frequency energy generated by excited atoms in medical fluid in the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge, and determining a concentration of a substance in the medical fluid based on the determined volume of the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge indicated by the indicia and the received radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge.

09-18-2014

20140263063

MEDICAL FLUID SENSORS AND RELATED SYSTEMS - This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In certain aspects, a method includes using a medical fluid pump of a medical fluid pumping machine, such as a hemodialysis machine, to deliver medical fluid to a first portion of a cartridge that is positioned within a magnetic field, exciting atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge by applying radio frequency energy to the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge, receiving radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge, and determining a concentration of a substance in the medical fluid based on the received radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the first portion of the cartridge.

09-18-2014

20140263062

Universal portable machine for online hemodiafiltration using regenerated dialysate - Manifolds suitable for use in hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration, and peritoneal dialysis are provided. One or more of the manifolds can include a manifold body and an external tube. The manifold body can include at least one conduit including a first conduit and at least one port including a first port in fluid communication with the first conduit. The external tube can be in fluid communication with the first port and can include a main segment, a first branch segment, and a second branch segment containing at least one bacterial filter. The first branch segment and/or second branch segment can include at least one flow restrictor. Dialysis machines, systems, and kits including one or more such manifold are also provided, as are methods of performing hemodiafiltration using such manifolds.

09-18-2014

20140263018

TETHER-RETAINED DIALYZER PORT CAP AND DIALYZER INCLUDING SAME - A tether-retained dialyzer port cap has a port cap which is removably connectible to a port of a dialyzer to block the port, and a retention strap that has a first looped end, a second looped end, and having an elongate portion integrally linking the first looped end and the second looped end. The first looped end is adapted to engage around curved sidewalls defining a circumferential surface of a dialyzer component, and the second looped end is i) integrally molded to the port cap, or ii) adapted to fit around an outer surface of a cap stem of the port cap. A dialyzer with the tether-retained dialyzer port cap further is described. The tether-retained dialyzer port cap tethers a port cap to a dialyzer for safe and convenient retention of the cap near the dialyzer for ready re-use to reseal a port of a used dialyzer for disposal handling.

09-18-2014

20140262983

MEDICAL FLUID SENSORS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a circuit includes a radio frequency coil tuned to at least one frequency and at least one switching circuit directly connected to the radio frequency coil. The radio frequency coil is characterized by a high impedance.

09-18-2014

20140261717

DIALYSIS CONTROL VALVE HAVING SELF-CLEANING MODE - A valve system is provided that includes an electromechanical solenoid, a gas valve including a magnetic flapper, a power source in electrical communication with the electromechanical solenoid, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the power source to supply an intermediate voltage that causes the electromechanical solenoid to move to a neutral position between a default position and a fully-actuated position. In so doing, the magnetic flapper is maintained in a neutral position between two gas ports and a flow of gas between the ports can be used to clean foreign particles from the magnetic flapper. The controller can also provide a varying voltage to the electromechanical solenoid while in the neutral position to cause vibration of the magnetic flapper and further assist in removing foreign particles. A closed loop system including a feedback circuit can be used for adjusting the voltage applied to the solenoid based on pressure sensed.

FLUID LINE CONNECTORS - A male luer connector includes a body having a first end configured to be connected to a fluid line, a second end opposed to the first end, and a body longitudinal axis. The second end is configured to be inserted into and form a luer slip connection with a female luer connector. The male luer connector also includes a locking collar that is connected to the body in a manner such that the locking collar rotates about the longitudinal axis. In some cases, the body second end does not protrude beyond a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis and that includes an end face of the locking collar, and/or when male and female connectors are engaged, the locking collar engages an outer surface of the female fluid line connector and is deformed by the engagement.

08-28-2014

20140233026

SHROUDED SENSOR CLIP ASSEMBLY AND BLOOD CHAMBER FOR AN OPTICAL BLOOD MONITORING SYSTEM - An optical blood monitoring system for blocking unwanted light from reaching sensors in a sensor clip assembly fastened to a blood chamber connected in an extracorporeal blood treatment system. The blood chamber has an internal flow cavity for communicating the extracorporeal blood flow and viewing windows to enable the sensor clip assembly to illuminate the blood with light as the blood flows through the blood chamber in order to monitor characteristics of the blood. The sensor clip assembly includes opposing heads with LED emitters and photodetectors. In one embodiment, lenses in the heads are surrounded by shrouds extending from the lenses so that when the sensor clip assembly is fastened to the blood chamber the shrouds block unwanted light from reaching the photodetectors. Either alternatively or as a complement to the shrouds, the blood chamber includes an opaque portion or a portion colored to attenuate particular wavelengths of light to further enhance the overall ability of the blood chamber and sensor clip assembly to block unwanted light from reaching the photodetectors.

08-21-2014

20140217025

Sorbent And Chemical Regeneration Of Dialysate - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for the regeneration of spent dialysis solutions. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for continuously regenerating spent dialysis solution during dialysis. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for conducting dialysis that further include using chemical and physical separators in conjunction with ion exchange cartridges and/or adsorption cartridges.

08-07-2014

20140205981

DIALYSIS TREATMENT SIMULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A dialysis treatment simulation system and method are provided that comprise a treatment simulator, a computing module, and a user interface. The treatment simulator generates an event notification that simulates a notification of an event related to an interaction between a dialysis treatment machine and a patient. The computing module generates a request for a user action in response to the simulated event notification. The user interface outputs the simulated event notification and the request for the user action to an output device and provides a received user response to the computing module.

07-24-2014

20140194809

PERITONEAL DIALYSIS SYSTEMS AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS - A peritoneal dialysis system includes a base peritoneal dialysis system and a peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system that operates independently of the base system. The base system includes a first cassette including a first patient line configured to be connected to a patient, and a PD cycler. The PD cycler receives the first cassette, and includes a pump that cooperates with the first cassette to deliver dialysate to and drain dialysate from a peritoneal cavity of the patient via the first patient line. The peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system includes a second cassette including a second patient line configured to be connected to the patient and a fluid exchange device that receives the second cassette. The fluid exchange device includes a data exchange interface operable to transfer patient treatment data from the peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system to the base peritoneal dialysis system.

07-10-2014

20140175010

Enhanced Clearance In An Artificial Kidney Incorporating A Pulsatile Pump - A continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) device is provided that weighs between 2 and 10 pounds. The CRRT device can be portable, mobile or completely worn on the person of the patient. Blood and dialysate are each pumped in a pulsed or pulsatile manner through a dialyzer such that a significant portion of the peak pulse of the blood flow coincides with a significant portion of a low pulse portion of the dialysate flow. An differential pressure between a dialysate inlet of the dialyzer and the blood inlet of the dialyzer periodically changes from a high differential pressure of between 70 and 120 mmHg for a first time period and a low differential pressure of between −10 and 10 mmHg for a first time period and a low differential pressure of between −10 and 10 mmHg for a second time period. The frequency of the high and low differential pressure cycle is between about 0.5 and 4 Hz.

06-26-2014

20140138294

Portable Dialysis Machine - The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.

05-22-2014

20140138291

METHOD AND DIALYSIS MACHINE INCLUDING CALIBRATION CONTAINER - A dialysis machine includes an ultrafiltration pump that pumps fluid from a pump inlet to a pump outlet, and a calibration fluid container. The container including a bottom, an upstanding sidewall, a container inlet and a container outlet, the bottom and the upstanding sidewall defining a container interior. The container may be to the atmosphere. At least the container outlet being disposed in the sidewall proximate to the bottom. The first end of a first hose is fluidly coupled to the pump inlet, and the second end of the first hose is removably, fluidly coupleable to the container outlet. The first end of a second hose is fluidly coupled to the pump outlet, and the second end of the second hose is removably, fluidly coupleable to the container inlet. In this way, a calibration process may be performed when the second ends of the first and second hoses are fluidly coupled to the container outlet and the container inlet, respectively.

05-22-2014

20140128791

System and Method of Modeling Erythropoiesis Including Iron Homeostasis - A method of adjusting a patient's undesired hematocrit and/or hemoglobin concentration to a value within a desired range at a predetermined time with an erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) regimen includes obtaining patient parameters required for input into a model for predicting the patient's hematocrit and/or hemoglobin concentration at a predetermined time with a selected ESA administration regimen, the model including iron homeostasis, and employing the patient parameters and an initially selected ESA administration regimen in the model to predict the patient's hematocrit and/or hemoglobin concentration at the predetermined time with the initially selected ESA administration regimen. The method then includes administering ESA to the patient with an ESA administration regimen predicted to adjust the patient's hematocrit and/or hemoglobin concentration to the desired range at the predetermined time. The method can be implemented in a hemodialysis system.

05-08-2014

20140097303

Medical Fluid Line Alignment Devices and Related Systems and Methods - A medical fluid line alignment device that includes a base that is attachable to a support member and a fluid line organizer attachable to the base. The fluid line organizer includes a plurality of access ports that allow fluid lines to be connected to the fluid line organizer. The device further includes a plurality of guides disposed on the base. Each of the guides is aligned with one of the access ports, and each of the guides has a top surface defining a recessed region that is sized and shaped to at least partially receive a fluid line therein.

04-10-2014

20140091022

METHODS OF MAKING MEDICAL SOLUTIONS AND RELATED SYSTEMS - This disclosure relates to making medical solutions. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes introducing liquid into a container that contains a dissolvable solid concentrate in a manner so that a layer of solution above the solid concentrate is maintained at a depth that allows the liquid introduced into the container to agitate the solution adjacent to the solid concentrate to cause mixing of the solid concentrate with the solution.

04-03-2014

20140088482

Blood Flow Reversal Valves and Related Systems and Methods - This disclosure relates to blood flow reversal valves and related systems and methods. In certain aspects of the invention, a blood flow reversal valve includes a first member having a first passage and a second passage, and a second member having a first passage and a second passage. The first and second members are rotatably fixed relative to one another such that the first passage of the first member is aligned with the first passage of the second member and the second passage of the first member is aligned with the second passage of the second member. A flow directing element is disposed in the cavity and is moveable relative to the first and second members between a first position in which the first passage of the first member and the first passage of the second member are fluidly connected and a second position in which the first passage of the first member and the second passage of the second member are fluidly connected.

03-27-2014

20140039447

PREVENTING OVER-DELIVERY OF DRUG - This disclosure relates to preventing over-delivery of a drug and related systems and methods. The method includes receiving, from a drug delivery device, information pertaining to a desired amount of fluid to be delivered by the drug delivery device and receiving information pertaining to a delivered amount of a fluid that has been delivered by the drug delivery device. The method also includes determining that the delivered amount satisfies a predetermined threshold amount and in response to the determination, detecting whether an initial amount of fluid provided to the drug delivery device corresponds to the desired amount of fluid to be delivered.

02-06-2014

20140031736

MAGNETIC SENSORS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - This invention relates generally to magnetic sensors and related systems and methods. In some aspects of the invention, a magnetic sensor assembly includes a housing configured to releasably hold a medical fluid tube and a sensor secured to the housing, the sensor configured to detect a change in a strength of a magnetic field when a medical fluid passes through the medical fluid tube.

01-30-2014

20140018728

MEDICAL FLUID CASSETTES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A medical fluid pumping system that includes a medical fluid pumping machine that includes an actuator and a medical fluid cassette that can be disposed within a cassette enclosure of the medical fluid pumping machine. A member is disposed within a fluid pump chamber of the medical fluid cassette and is magnetically attracted to the actuator such that the member and the actuator can be coupled together when the cassette is disposed within the cassette enclosure.

01-16-2014

20130331774

MEDICAL FLUID CASSETTES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - This disclosure relates to medical fluid cassettes and related systems and methods. In certain aspects, a medical fluid cassette includes a base having a first region and a second region, a first membrane overlying the first region of the base, and a second membrane overlying the second region of the base. The second membrane is configured to rebound away from the base when a force used to press the second membrane toward the base is released.

12-12-2013

20130330208

MEDICAL FLUID CASSETTES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - This disclosure relates to medical fluid cassettes and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a medical fluid cassette includes a base and a magnetically attractive member overlying a fluid pump chamber of the cassette. The magnetically attractive member defines a cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of a piston.

12-12-2013

20130313188

Urea Sorbent - A sorbent polymer is provided that interacts or reacts with aqueous urea to aid the regeneration of a dialysate liquid. The sorbent polymer may include one or more specific functional groups bonded thereto. Such specific functional groups are selected from carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters, carboxylates, amides, dicarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acid esters, and dicer boxylates to produce the desired urea sorbent.

11-28-2013

20130289515

Vial Spiking Devices and Related Assemblies and Methods - In some aspects, a vial spiking device includes a base, a spike extending from the base, and a side wall extending from the base and substantially surrounding the spike. The base and the side wall partially define a recess to receive a portion of a vial. Resilient fingers extend inwardly from the side wall into the recess. The fingers are spaced circumferentially around the side wall and are configured so that as the vial is inserted into the recess, the fingers deflect toward the side wall and allow the portion of the vial to move beyond the fingers. The fingers rebound into the recess after the portion of the vial has moved beyond the fingers. The side wall forces the portion of the vial away from the base and into contact with the fingers after the fingers have rebounded into the recess.

10-31-2013

20130237897

Apparatus and Method for Venting Gas from a Liquid - The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for venting a gas from a liquid, which are applicable to a wide variety of medical liquid delivery systems. The apparatus includes level detectors, a clamp, and a control apparatus operably connected to the level detectors and the clamp. The method includes detecting whether liquid or gas is present at the level detectors, and opening and closing a clamp to vent gas. The present invention also relates to an apparatus and method for controlling pressure differential across a semipermeable membrane by using a pressure sensor, a gas source, a valve, and a membrane.

09-12-2013

20130230896

Covalently Immobilized Enzyme and Method To Make The Same - A composition of enzyme, polymer, and crosslinker forms a network of covalently bound macromolecules. The covalently immobilized enzyme preparation has enzymatic activity, and retains stable activity when dried and stored at ambient conditions. Methods for preparing an immobilized enzyme and methods for using the enzyme are disclosed.

09-05-2013

20130220907

Portable Dialysis Machine with Improved Reservoir Heating System - The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit with an improved reservoir heating system. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a reservoir with an internal pan and external pan, separated by a space that holds a heating element. The heating element is electrically coupled to electrical contacts attached to the external surface of the external pan.

08-29-2013

20130218123

Drug Vial Spikes, Fluid Line Sets, And Related Systems - This disclosure relates to drug vial spikes, fluid line sets, and related systems. In some aspects, a fluid line set includes a frame, multiple spikes extending from the frame, and multiple fluid lines connected to the frame. The frame is configured to hold the fluid lines in a spaced apart configuration.

08-22-2013

20130211332

Drug Vial Spikes, Fluid Line Sets, And Related Systems - This disclosure relates to drug vial spikes, fluid line sets, and related systems. In some aspects, a fluid line set includes a frame, multiple spikes extending from the frame, and multiple fluid lines connected to the frame. The frame is configured to hold the fluid lines in a spaced apart configuration.

08-15-2013

20130201222

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING OBJECTS AT A MEDICAL TREATMENT APPARATUS DISPLAY SCREEN - System and methods are provided for displaying objects at a treatment display screen coupled to an apparatus for performing a treatment. A first arrangement of the objects is presented at the treatment display screen. At least some objects of the first arrangement of the objects are in a fixed state on the treatment display screen. A rearrangement mode of operation of the treatment display screen is activated. The objects of the first arrangement of the objects are changed from the fixed state to a fluid state that allows for rearrangement of the objects of the first arrangement of the objects to a second arrangement of the objects that is different than the first arrangement of the objects. The treatment is prevented from being performed during operation in the rearrangement mode. The second arrangement of the objects is presented at the treatment display screen during operation in the rearrangement mode.

08-08-2013

20130197389

DRY WEIGHT PREDICTOR - Methods and apparatus for predicting/estimating the dry weight of an individual, e.g., a patient undergoing dialysis treatment, are provided. The techniques employ a bioimpedance measurement (

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING NOTIFICATIONS IN DIALYSIS SYSTEMS - A system and method provide information in response to at least one current event related to a treatment performed by a dialysis system. A first number is displayed at a treatment display in communication with the dialysis system. The first number corresponds to a set of current notifications. Each current notification is generated in response to at least one current event related to the treatment. A new event is detected that is related to the treatment. The first number is increased to a second number in response to detecting the new event. The second number corresponds to a new notification generated in response to the new event and corresponds to the set of current notifications. A highest priority event is determined between the new event and the at least one current event. The treatment display displays at least one notification corresponding to the highest priority event.

DIALYSIS SYSTEM HAVING PERISTALTIC PUMP ARRANGEMENT - A system including a machine and a cassette that moves fluid from one source to another for use in dialysis. The machine includes at least a first set of pressure imposing valve actuators, said valve actuators being pneumatically operated and substantially adjacently disposed, and a cassette receiving portion. The cassette includes a housing adapted to be removably placed in the cassette receiving portion of the machine. The housing includes at least one inlet port adapted to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source, and at least one outlet port. The housing further includes an inlet manifold and a collection chamber, and at least one fluid pathway fluidly coupled to the two. In use, the fluid pathway disposed substantially adjacent the first set of valve actuators such that sequential actuation of the valve actuators moves a fluid through the pathways to the collection chamber.

02-14-2013

20130018301

Dialysis Systems and Methods - This invention relates to dialysis systems and methods. In some implementations, a method includes applying vacuum pressure to a device of a dialysis system, and then determining, based on a detected fluid level or measured pressure, whether the device is functioning properly.

01-17-2013

20130008852

UREA SORBENT - A sorbent polymer is provided that interacts or reacts with aqueous urea to aid the regeneration of a dialysate liquid. The sorbent polymer may include one or more specific functional groups bonded thereto. Such specific functional groups are selected from carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters, carboxylates, amides, dicarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acid esters, and dicer boxylates to produce the desired urea sorbent.

01-10-2013

20120330225

Active Catheter - A catheter assembly includes a tubular member having a first connector at its distal end for coupling with the proximal end of a catheter. The tubular member has at least one external guide wire that is slidably contained inside the tubular member. The at least one external guide wire has an attachment member for attaching to an internal guide wire catch that is slidably contained inside the catheter, whereby manipulation of the guide wire causes motion in the distal end of the catheter. The catheter assembly can be articulated within an internal cavity of a patient to more completely and accurately fill and/or drain the cavity during, for example, peritoneal dialysis.

12-27-2012

20120308431

Method And System For Inlet Temperature Monitoring For Centralized Heat Disinfection Of Dialysis Machine Inlet Lines - A method for inlet temperature monitoring for centralized heat disinfection of dialysis machine inlet lines is described. The method can be used, for example, for a dialysis system which has a central water processing system used at a multiple patient dialysis treatment clinic or center. A central water processing system and a plurality of dialysis machines having fluid inlets are fluidly connected to a water supply loop which circulates heated water from the central water processing system to the dialysis machines and back to the central water processing system. A dialysis system for centralized heat disinfection of dialysis machine inlet lines of dialysis machines supplied with water by a central water processing system also is provided.

Medical Tubing Installation Detection - This disclosure relates to medical tubing installation detection. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes detecting that a tube is incorrectly installed on a drug delivery device by providing an instruction for a motor of the drug delivery device to pump a drug and receiving, after a period of time has passed since providing the instruction for the motor of the drug delivery device to pump the drug, a signal from a fluid detector connected to the tube, the signal indicating an absence of fluid in the tube.

11-15-2012

20120277673

MEDICAL TEMPERATURE SENSORS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - This disclosure relates to medical temperature sensors and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a sensor assembly includes a non-invasive temperature sensor to detect a temperature of a medical fluid in a medical fluid line and an ambient temperature sensor to detect an ambient air temperature.

11-01-2012

20120271226

MEDICAL FLUID PUMPING SYSTEMS AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS - This disclosure relates to medical fluid pumping systems and related devices and methods. In some aspects, a medical fluid pumping system includes a medical fluid pumping machine including a piston head that can be linearly displaced and a medical fluid cassette that can be secured to the medical fluid pumping machine. The medical fluid cassette includes a fastening member attached to a region of a flexible membrane overlying a fluid pump chamber, and the piston head is configured to be mechanically connected to the fastening member of the cassette.

10-25-2012

20120265118

DEVICE FOR REMOVING FLUID FROM BLOOD IN A PATIENT - An ultrafiltration device and method for the removal of excess fluid in hypervolemic patients and/or removal of toxins in the blood including for patients suffering from either renal or cardiovascular disease is disclosed. An embodiment of the device includes a housing containing multiple large bore hollow fiber membranes which are connected to the patient's vascular system via a connecting element comprising bifurcated fluid pathway elements to physiologically channel the blood flow either to or from each hollow fiber membrane of the device, a channel to direct the fluid removed by the device to a suitable collection container or the patient's bladder, and controls that control excessive removal of the water from the patient. Devices can be either worn extracorporeally or surgically implanted in order to allow for continuous fluid removal with ambulatory freedom.

10-18-2012

20120259275

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (PD) SOLUTIONS - The invention provides container systems, kits and methods for peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. Such a system, for example, includes a first compartment that contains a PD osmotic agent and a second compartment that contains a PD buffer agent. The compartments maintain their respective contents separately from one another for purposes of transport, storage and/or sterilization. However, the compartments are fluidly couplable, so that their respective contents can be combined with one another, e.g., following sterilization of the agents and prior to their introduction into the patient's abdomen. The invention provides, in other aspects, such systems, kits and methods that provide protective structure which inhibits breaking of a seal prior between the second compartment and an outlet of the system, prior to breaking of a seal between the first and second compartments.

10-11-2012

20120253022

METHOD OF REMOVING PROTEIN-BOUND DELETERIOUS SUBSTANCES DURING EXTRACORPOREAL RENAL REPLACEMENT TREATMENT - The invention is directed to a method of removing a deleterious substance bound to a protein in blood of a patient by introducing a displacer substance into the blood under conditions in which the displacer substance replaces deleterious substance bound to the protein, thereby resulting in additional unbound deleterious substance in the blood, and removing unbound deleterious substance from the blood by extracorporeal renal replacement treatment.

10-04-2012

20120248017

DIALYSIS SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS, AND METHODS - A dialysis system including a housing, a dialysate pump disposed in the housing, and a dialysate line configured to be operatively connected to the dialysate pump such that the dialysate pump can pump dialysate through the dialysate line when the dialysate line is in fluid communication with a dialysate source.

10-04-2012

20120234762

Water Purification Cartridge Using Zirconium Ion-Exchange Sorbents - A cartridge having at least one layer containing sodium zirconium phosphate and at least one layer containing a combination of acid zirconium phosphate and alkaline hydrous zirconium oxide is described. Methods of using the cartridge for water purification are also described.

09-20-2012

20120232469

MEDICAL FLUID DELIVERY SETS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - This disclosure relates to medical fluid delivery sets and related systems and methods. In some aspects of the invention, a medical fluid delivery set includes a syringe connected to a series of interconnected fluid lines. The syringe includes a medical fluid containment cylinder and a plunger assembly that can be axially moved relative to the medical fluid containment cylinder. The plunger assembly includes an inner plunger shaft including a seal that is slidably disposed within the medical fluid containment cylinder and an outer plunger shaft that at least partially surrounds the inner plunger shaft to form a space between an outer surface of the inner plunger shaft and an inner surface of the outer plunger shaft that is sized to receive a wall of the medical fluid containment cylinder therein.

09-13-2012

20120230844

MEDICAL FLUID DELIVERY SETS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - This disclosure relates to medical fluid delivery sets and related systems and methods. In some aspects of the invention, a medical fluid cassette includes a plunger slidably disposed within a recess of a base of the cassette such that a substantially liquid-tight seal is maintained between the plunger and the base as the plunger slides axially within the recess. The plunger and the base cooperate to at least partially define a fluid pump chamber. When the plunger is displaced in a first direction, fluid is forced out of the fluid pump chamber, and when the plunger is displaced in a second direction, fluid is drawn into the fluid pump chamber.

09-13-2012

20120218541

SHROUDED SENSOR CLIP ASSEMBLY AND BLOOD CHAMBER FOR AN OPTICAL BLOOD MONITORING SYSTEM - An optical blood monitoring system for blocking unwanted light from reaching sensors in a sensor clip assembly fastened to a blood chamber connected in an extracorporeal blood treatment system. The sensor clip assembly includes opposing heads with LED emitters and photodetectors. In one embodiment, lenses in the heads are surrounded by shrouds extending from the lenses so that when the sensor clip assembly is fastened to the blood chamber the shrouds block unwanted light from reaching the photodctectors. Either alternatively or as a complement to the shrouds, the blood chamber includes an opaque portion or a portion colored to attenuate particular wavelengths of light to further enhance the overall ability of the blood chamber and sensor clip assembly to block unwanted light from reaching the photodetectors.

08-30-2012

20120209169

MEDICAL FLUID PUMP SYSTEMS AND RELATED COMPONENTS AND METHODS - A medical fluid delivery cassette configured for use with a medical fluid pumping system. The cassette includes a base, a membrane attached to the base, and an adhesive disposed on a portion of the membrane overlying a fluid pump chamber of the cassette. The portion of the membrane overlying the fluid pump chamber is moveable such that the volume of the fluid pump chamber can be changed.

08-16-2012

20120181189

Amperometric Creatinine Biosensor With Immobilized Enzyme-Polymer Composition And Systems Using Same, And Methods - An amperometric biosensor is provided for determination of creatinine in a sample fluid. The biosensor can be an enzyme-polymer composition having at least one redox polymer and a plurality of enzymes immobilized on an electrode surface. Methods of preparing the amperometric biosensor are included. In addition, methods and systems using the amperometric biosensor in measuring creatinine concentrations of a patient and treatments of a patient with monitoring of the progress of dialysis performed on the patient are also provided.

07-19-2012

20120175292

PERISTALTIC PUMP ARRANGEMENT AND PUMP ROLLERS - A peristaltic pump for use with tubing. The pump includes a raceway and a rotatably mounted rotor that form a passageway therebetween for the tubing. A plurality of roller assemblies is pivotably and eccentrically mounted to the rotor. Each roller assembly has a length, and includes a roller having an outer surface disposed to selectively roll along said tubing when received in the passageway. At least one compliance mechanism is coupled to and contained substantially within the length of each roller assembly. The compliance mechanism has first and second ends coupled to the rotor and the roller assembly, respectively. The compliance mechanism is adapted and disposed to bias the associated roller assembly outward relative to the rotor, such that a force applied to the roller assembly pivoting the roller assembly inward against the force of the compliance mechanism.

07-12-2012

20120154789

Sensor clip assembly for an optical monitoring system - Systems and sensor clip assemblies for optically monitoring blood flowing through a blood chamber are provided. A sensor clip assembly includes emitters and photodetectors positioned on opposing arms, a signal conditioning circuit for conditioning raw analog signals generated by the photodetectors while the sensor clip assembly is fastened to a blood chamber, and an analog-to-digital converter for converting the conditioned analog signals to raw digital data. The sensor clip assembly may output the raw digital data to an external device and receive synchronized control signals from the external device, or the sensor clip assembly may include a microcontroller for performing calculations on the raw digital data and providing synchronized control signals internally. Parameters of blood flowing through the blood chamber such as hematocrit, oxygen saturation, and change in blood volume may be calculated from the raw digital data derived from the raw analog signals generated by the photodetectors.

06-21-2012

20120136582

MEASURING HEMATOCRIT AND ESTIMATING HEMOGLOBIN VALUES WITH A NON-INVASIVE, OPTICAL BLOOD MONITORING SYSTEM - An optical blood monitoring system with a ratiometric model determines hematocrit values for a hemodialysis patient, from which hemoglobin values for the patient are estimated. The ratiometric model is calibrated, normally against a cell counter, using blood from a blood bank. The blood from a blood bank is preserved in a long term preservative which is typically different than that found in clinical settings. The hematocrit value determined by the ratiometric model is scaled by scaling factor so that the estimated hemoglobin level output from the monitor consistently matches that measured in a clinical setting. The hematocrit scaling factor is substantially about 1.033 when the patient's blood sample is stored in a short term preservative ethylene diamine tetra acetic, and is substantially about 1.06 when the hematocrit is measured in the blood sample without preservative being added to the blood sample. The hemoglobin value can also be adjusted for altitude.

05-31-2012

20120095392

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (PD) SOLUTIONS WITH INTEGRATED INTER-CHAMBER DIFFUSER - The invention provides, in some aspects, a container system for medical solutions such as peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. The invention particularly features a system which includes a first compartment that contains a first medical solution, e.g., a PD osmotic agent, and a second compartment that contains a second medical solution, e.g., a PD buffer agent. The compartments maintain their respective contents separately from one another for purposes of transport, storage and/or sterilization. However, the compartments are fluidly couplable, so that their respective contents can be combined with one another, e.g., following sterilization of the agents and prior to their introduction into the patient's abdomen. To that end, a container system can include a diffuser that is disposed in a fluid pathway between the first and second compartments, e.g., to facilitate homogeneous mixing of the first and second PD agents. That diffuser is disposed within and moves relative to a structure, such as a port that defines the fluid pathway between those compartment. Thus, for example, the diffuser can comprise a body that “floats” within that pathway-defining structure and that moves from one end to the other (and/or to from points there between), depending on a direction of solution flow through the structure.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMPENSATION OF COMPLIANT BEHAVIOR IN REGENERATIVE DIALYSIS SYSTEMS - In a regenerative dialysis system, in a method for controlling a regenerative dialysis system, and in a controller for a regenerative dialysis system, an embodiment of the system comprises an input pump that pumps fresh dialysate fluid into a dialyzer at an input rate. An output pump pumps used dialysate fluid from the dialyzer at an output rate. An ultrafiltration rate of the system is related to the output rate relative to the input rate. A sorbent cartridge filters the used dialysate fluid to generate the fresh dialysate fluid. A controller controls the ultrafiltration rate of the system in response to a flow rate of the dialysate fluid through the sorbent cartridge.

04-12-2012

20120068723

Conductivity Detector For Fluids - A conductivity detector detects the electrical conductivity of a fluid under analysis for determining chemical or physical properties of the fluid that are related its electrical properties. Such conductivity detectors may find use in, for example, hemodialysis systems for analyzing the effectiveness of the hemodialysis treatment. In an aspect, to improve accuracy of the conductivity measurements, the detector utilizes four-wire resistance measurement methods. In another aspect, to avoid fouling or contamination of the electrodes, the detector utilizes capacitively-coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) methods so that the electrodes are physically unconnected to the fluid contained in a fluid chamber. In a possible further aspect, the fluid chamber may be a disposable component removable from the electrodes. The conductivity detector can include other features such as calibration circuits and features for electrically isolating the fluid under detection from the fluid in the rest of the system.

03-22-2012

20120031825

CARBON DIOXIDE GAS REMOVAL FROM A FLUID CIRCUIT OF A DIALYSIS DEVICE - The present invention is directed to degassing devices for dialysate circuits. One embodiment has a first housing and a second housing positioned within the first housing in an annular relationship. A second embodiment comprises a dialysate regeneration system with urease, a dialyzer, and a housing with an external wall, where the external wall is exposed to atmosphere and comprises a material that passes gas but does not pass liquid and where the housing is positioned between the urease and dialyzer.

02-09-2012

20110259371

METHODS FOR CLEANING A DRAIN LINE OF A DIALYSIS MACHINE - A method for cleaning a drain line of a dialysis machine downstream of a filtration unit. The method includes closing inlet and outlet valves of the filtration unit, and closing a bypass valve along a bypass line that connects a source line to a drain line. The method also includes configuring the balancing chamber such that flow is permitted only via the drain line, flowing an amount of a cleaning agent into the drain line through a cleaning agent valve, and rinsing the cleaning agent from the drain line with a rinse fluid.

10-27-2011

20110237996

Methods of Regional Citrate Anticoagulation Dialysis - A method of performing regional citrate anticoagulant dialysis of a patient's blood includes flowing blood from and back to the patient through an extracorporeal circuit including a dialyzer having semi-permeable dialysis membranes and a dialysate chamber surrounding the membranes. The method further includes flowing a dialysate containing calcium and citrate through the dialysate chamber of the dialyzer and introducing citrate into the patient's blood upstream of the dialyzer, whereby the patient's blood is dialyzed. The method can further include predicting the concentration of systemic ionized calcium in the blood of the patient at any point in the dialysis treatment or post-dialysis, such as by a mathematical model. The method can further include statistically correcting the preliminary predicted post-dialysis concentration of systemic ionized calcium in the patient's blood to provide a final predicted post-dialysis systemic ionized calcium concentration. The method can further include statistically correcting the preliminary predicted systemic ionized calcium concentration for any time point during the dialysis treatment to provide a final predicted systemic ionized calcium concentration for that time point.

09-29-2011

20110220562

Dialysis System Venting Devices and Related Systems and Methods - This disclosure relates to dialysis venting devices and related methods. In some aspects, a dialysis system includes a fluid inlet line, a venting device in fluid communication with the fluid inlet line, and a fluid outlet line in fluid communication with the venting device. The venting device can include a housing defining a fluid chamber, a valve member disposed above the fluid chamber between a lower seat and an upper seat, and a pump that is operable to draw fluid into the fluid chamber from the fluid inlet line and to force fluid out of the fluid chamber into the fluid outlet line.

09-15-2011

20110210054

SAFETY VENT STRUCTURE FOR EXTRACORPOREAL CIRCUIT - In general, this disclosure relates to extracorporeal fluid circuits. In some aspects, an air-release device for allowing air to be released from a liquid in extracorporeal circuitry includes an elongate chamber having a bottom region and a top region and a fluid entry port and fluid exit port at or near the bottom region. The air release device also includes a vent structure at or near the top region of the elongate chamber that includes a porous material capable of swelling when moistened such that the vent structure can inhibit liquid from escaping the air-release device during use.

09-01-2011

20110196289

CASSETTE SYSTEM FOR PERITONEAL DIALYSIS MACHINE - A peritoneal dialysis (PD) system that includes a disposable PD cassette including a base having a substantially planar portion and a dome-shaped protrusion extending from the substantially planar portion and a flexible membrane attached to the base and covering a recessed region of the dome-shaped protrusion to form a pumping chamber between the flexible membrane and the recessed region of the dome-shaped protrusion. The system also includes a PD machine including a deck and a door hinged from one side to the deck. The door and the deck can cooperate to form a cassette compartment, and the door has a cylindrical recess positioned to receive the dome-shaped protrusion of the base of the disposable PD cassette when the disposable PD cassette is disposed in the cassette compartment and the door is closed.

08-11-2011

20110163030

Dialysis Systems and Methods - This invention relates to dialysis systems and methods. In some implementations, a method includes applying vacuum pressure to a device of a dialysis system, and then determining, based on a detected fluid level or measured pressure, whether the device is functioning properly.

METHOD OF IDENTIFYING WHEN A PATIENT UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS IS AT INCREASED RISK OF DEATH - The invention is directed to a method of identifying a patient undergoing periodic hemodialysis treatments at increased risk for death that includes determining at least one of the patient's clinical or biochemical parameters, including systolic blood pressure, serum albumin concentration level, body weight, body temperature, serum bicarbonate concentration level, serum potassium concentration level, serum calcium concentration level, hemoglobin concentration level, serum phosphorus concentration level, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, equilibrated normalized protein catabolic rate (enPCR), equilibrated fractional clearance of total body water by dialysis and residual kidney function (eKdrt/V), EPO resistance index, transferrin saturation index, serum ferritin concentration level, serum creatinine concentration level, platelet count, Aspartat-Aminotransferase level, and Alanin-Aminotransferase level at periodic hemodialysis treatments, and identifying a patient as having an increased risk for death if the patient has a significant change in the rate of change of at least one of the patient's clinical or biochemical parameters. The invention is also directed to a method of identifying an increased mortality risk factor for a patient undergoing periodic hemodialysis treatment. The method includes analyzing data of deceased patients that were previously undergoing periodic hemodialysis treatments by performing a longitudinal analysis backwards in time of changes in a clinical or biochemical parameter the patients, and identifying a significant change in the rate of decline or the rate of increase in a clinical or biochemical parameter before death of the patients.

EXTRACORPOREAL FLUID CIRCUIT - A dialysis fluid cassette that includes a rigid body and a flexible backing covering a recessed portion of the rigid body to at least partially form a gas release chamber.

05-12-2011

20110105979

PATIENT TREATMENT AND MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention provides apparatus and methods for home or other remote delivery of health care that gather subjective and objective measures of patient health and treatment, analyzing them (e.g., correlating them with one another and/or with norms) and reporting them to aid in on-going patient diagnosis and treatment (both on acute and chronic bases), as well as to aid physicians, nurses and other caregivers in decision support, monitoring treatment compliance, facilitating regulatory compliance, billing, and so forth. Thus, for example, in some aspects a health care delivery device comprising a medical treatment apparatus, such as a home hemodialysis or home peritoneal dialysis unit, that is coupled to a processor. The processor generates patient queries in connection with treatments rendered by the dialysis equipment (or other treatment apparatus). The queries are directed, at least in part, to subjective topics, such as the state of the patient's mental health and well being, quality of life, degrees of pain, views on success of therapy, and so forth. They are presented on an LCD screen or other output device coupled to the processor to elicit responses on a keyboard or other input device, also coupled to the processor.

PERITONEAL DIALYSIS SYSTEM - A dialysate regeneration system for removing contaminants from spent dialysate according to this invention includes a dialysate circulation flow path including a pump that pumps spent dialysate through the dialysate circulation flow path, a first cartridge adapted to remove contaminants from the spent dialysate, including a first cleaning solution inlet and a first cleaning solution outlet, a second cartridge adapted to remove urea from the spent dialysate, the second cartridge including semi-permeable hollow fibers adapted for transport of urea across the walls of the semi-permeable hollow fibers and adapted to retain at least calcium, magnesium, and sodium ions in the spent dialysate, and including a second cleaning solution inlet and a second cleaning solution outlet. Ancillary to the two cartridges, the dialysate regeneration system further includes a first dialysate cleaning flow path including a pump that pumps first cleaning solution from the first cleaning solution outlet of the first cartridge through a first cleaning stage to the first cleaning solution inlet of the first cartridge, and a second dialysate cleaning flow path including a pump that pumps second cleaning solution from the second cleaning solution outlet of the second cartridge through a second cleaning stage to the second cleaning solution inlet of the second cartridge.

03-10-2011

20110017665

Dialysis Systems and Methods - This disclosure generally relates to dialysis systems and related methods. In one aspect of the invention, a dialysis system includes a device configured so that a medical fluid can pass therethrough, and the device is adapted to remove one or more substances from the medical fluid as the medical fluid passes through the device. The dialysis system can also include a sodium control system adapted to alter a sodium concentration of the medical fluid.

01-27-2011

20110015610

MEDICAL FLUID CASSETTES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A medical fluid delivery cassette configured for use with a medical fluid pumping system and related systems and methods. The medical fluid delivery cassette includes a base and a membrane that together define a fluid pump chamber. The medical fluid delivery cassette further includes a member configured to apply an outward force to an inner surface of the membrane.

01-20-2011

20100324466

Multi-port fluid access device and method - The invention provides a multi-port fluid access device for medical use, such as in a blood-flow circuit during dialysis. The device has a main tubular body and a needle access port and a needleless access port located at positions axially offset from each other. Each port has a tubular body with a septum sealing the passageway to the main fluid channel of the main tubular body. Alongside the main tubular body are members providing finger-gripping surfaces at or near the axial position of the needle access port. There is also a needle shield located between the finger gripping surfaces and the needle access port. Use of the device permits either or both of needle access and needleless access to a patient's blood during dialysis.

12-23-2010

20100241062

MEDICAL FLUID PUMP SYSTEMS AND RELATED COMPONENTS AND METHODS - A medical fluid delivery cassette configured for use with a medical fluid pumping system. The cassette includes a base, a membrane attached to the base, and an adhesive disposed on a portion of the membrane overlying a fluid pump chamber of the cassette. The portion of the membrane overlying the fluid pump chamber is moveable such that the volume of the fluid pump chamber can be changed.

09-23-2010

20100222735

PORTABLE APPARATUS FOR PERITONEAL DIALYSIS THERAPY - A portable peritoneal dialysis apparatus having (1) a hinged door for enclosing a disposable cassette that seals tightly shut using air pressure; (2) accurate pressure sensing of pressures applied to the patient through an enclosure in the disposable cassette; (3) two pumps that can operate separately or in tandem actuated by two separate stepper motors; and (4) a touch screen user interface where indicia of the operating mode is always visible along with indicia for the other possible operating modes and the mode can be changed by touching one of these indicia.

09-02-2010

20100168652

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (PD) SOLUTION WITH A PERISTALTIC PUMP - In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for delivering peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution (or other fluids), from a supply to a patient. A first pump, in fluid coupling with the supply, delivers PD solution from the supply to a “mesne” (or intermediate) measuring element, and generates signals indicative of a volume of that delivered PD solution. The mesne measuring element, in fluid coupling with the first pump, generates signals indicative of a volume of PD solution received from that pump. A second pump, fluidly coupled to the mesne measuring element, routes PD solution from the mesne measuring element for delivery to the patient.

07-01-2010

20100137693

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PATIENT CARE - Methods and apparatus for patient care detect a current medical condition of a patient receiving medical treatment, e.g., by sensing blood pressure, heart rate, weight, glucose level, hemoglobin level, and/or blood potassium level (all by way of example) and transmit information regarding that medical condition to a digital data processing system disposed remotely from the medical treatment apparatus. The medical treatment apparatus can be, for example, one for peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis, and the medical condition can be sensed by sensors coupled to or otherwise utilized in connection with such apparatus.

06-03-2010

20100100026

Wetness sensor utilizing passive resonant circuits - An example embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for detecting a liquid leak that includes a sensor with a passive resonant circuit having a resonant frequency, an interrogation unit to transmit a radio frequency (RF) wave corresponding to the resonant circuit's resonant frequency, and a receiver to measure the resonant circuit's response. A determination unit is configured to determine the presence of liquid based on the measured response. In the absence of liquid, the resonant circuit radiates a signal corresponding to its resonant frequency; however, in the presence of liquid, the resonant circuit's electrical characteristics change such that the resonant circuit does not resonate at its resonant frequency. The resonant circuit may include inductive and capacitive elements formed on a substrate using electrically conductive materials. Thus, the system may quickly, safely and accurately detect potentially life-threatening blood leaks that may occur during, for example, hemodialysis.

04-22-2010

20100099958

Method of identifying when a patient undergoing hemodialysis is at increased risk of death - The invention is directed to a method of identifying a patient undergoing periodic hemodialysis treatments at increased risk for death that includes determining at least one of the patient's systolic blood pressure, serum albumin level, body weight, and body temperature at periodic hemodialysis treatments, and identifying a patient as having an increased risk for death if the patient has a substantial change in the rate of decline of at least one of the patient's systolic blood pressure, serum albumin level, body weight, and body temperature. The invention is also directed to a method of identifying an increased mortality risk factor for a patient undergoing periodic hemodialysis treatment. The method includes analyzing data in deceased patients that were previously undergoing periodic hemodialysis treatments by performing a longitudinal analysis backwards in time of changes in a clinical or biochemical parameter the patients, and identifying a substantial change in the rate of decline or the rate of increase in a clinical or biochemical parameter before death of the patients.

04-22-2010

20100096330

Method of Determining A Phosphorus Binder Dosage for a Dialysis Patient - The invention is directed to a method of determining a dosage of phosphorus binder for a patient undergoing dialysis treatment to achieve a pre-dialysis serum phosphorus concentration within a desired concentration range while achieving a desired net accumulation of calcium. The method includes determining the dosage of phosphorus binder that will achieve pre-dialysis serum phosphorus concentration of the patient that is within the desired concentration range while accounting for the change in the amount of phosphorus removed by the dialysis treatment when the pre-dialysis serum phosphorus concentration of the patient is within the desired concentration range, determining a dialysate calcium concentration that will result in the desired net accumulation of calcium over a complete dialysis cycle, and dialyzing the patient with a dialysate containing a calcium concentration based upon that determination.

04-22-2010

20100096329

Method of Removing Protein-Bound Deleterious Substances During Extracorporeal Renal Replacement Treatment - The invention is directed to a method of removing a deleterious substance bound to a protein in blood of a patient by introducing a displacer substance into the blood under conditions in which the displacer substance replaces deleterious substance bound to the protein, thereby resulting in additional unbound deleterious substance in the blood, and removing unbound deleterious substance from the blood by extracorporeal renal replacement treatment.

Covalently Immobilized Enzyme and Method To Make The Same - A composition of enzyme, polymer, and crosslinker forms a network of covalently bound macromolecules. The covalently immobilized enzyme preparation has enzymatic activity, and retains stable activity when dried and stored at ambient conditions. Methods for preparing an immobilized enzyme and methods for using the enzyme are disclosed.

Systems and Methods for Delivery of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Solutions - The invention provides container systems, kits and methods for peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. Such a system, for example, includes a first compartment that contains a PD osmotic agent and a second compartment that contains a PD buffer agent. The compartments maintain their respective contents separately from one another for purposes of transport, storage and/or sterilization. However, the compartments are fluidly couplable, so that their respective contents can be combined with one another, e.g., following sterilization of the agents and prior to their introduction into the patient's abdomen. The invention provides, in other aspects, such systems, kits and methods that provide protective structure which inhibits breaking of a seal prior between the second compartment and an outlet of the system, prior to breaking of a seal between the first and second compartments.

10-22-2009

20090234266

Device for removing fluid from blood in a patient - An ultrafiltration device and method for the removal of excess fluid in hypervolemic patients and/or removal of toxins in the blood including for patients suffering from either renal or cardiovascular disease is disclosed. An embodiment of the device includes a housing containing multiple large bore hollow fiber membranes which are connected to the patient's vascular system via a connecting element comprising bifurcated fluid pathway elements to physiologically channel the blood flow either to or from each hollow fiber membrane of the device, a channel to direct the fluid removed by the device to a suitable collection container or the patient's bladder, and controls that control excessive removal of the water from the patient. Devices can be either worn extracorporeally or surgically implanted in order to allow for continuous fluid removal with ambulatory freedom.

PATIENT-SPECIFIC CONTENT DELIVERY METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for delivery of digital data in connection with medical treatment and patient care include detecting a current medical condition of a patient receiving medical treatment and delivering electronic informational data to the patient over a network. The informational data can be selected for delivery based on the current medical condition of the patient. The informational data can includes a plurality of informational data content options, and the patient can choose one or more of the informational data content options for delivery to the patient over the network. The chosen content can be displayed to the patient on a digital data display device, such as a touch screen monitor.

03-19-2009

20080296226

Solutions, Dialysates, and Related Methods - Solutions, dialysates, and methods for measuring solutes in blood and/or for treating blood. In one aspect of the invention, a method of performing dialysis includes placing a solution in communication with blood of a subject, where a concentration of at least one electrically conductive solute in the solution, prior to being placed in communication with the blood of the subject, is substantially equal to a concentration of the at least one electrically conductive solute in the blood of the subject.